What others have said about
Hon. Ellen Bree Burns

Comments

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: 9166
Rating:10.0 Comments:
Other federal judges in CT should try harder to follow her example. She is the cream of the crop - in Connecticut and the nation - I have lost and won cases with her and she is by far the fairest judge I have ever had the pleasure to encounter.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: 7908
Rating:6.5 Comments:
She totally advances the government's case. If you're thinking you'll get a reasonable sentence at the end of the day, think again. Unless the government (or the P.O.) whispers in her ear, he or she's gotta go in. It's really difficult to practice in this district where the judges haven't even heard about Gall. A guideline sentence is unfortunately standard issue. No 3553(a) consideration at all, even where multiple compelling factors direct a non-custodial term! And no, this isn't just sour grapes, just one practitioner's opinion.

Civil Litigation - Govt.

Comment #: 5977
Rating:6.8 Comments:
I enjoyed practicing before Judge Burns, but her docket is very backed-up and opinions truly take forever. She is even-handed and ethical and appears to be a 'good' judge in that she wants to do the right thing, but the delay is sometimes oppressive. I felt she relied a little too heavily on her special master as well-- to the detriment of the case at some point.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: 4543
Rating:10.0 Comments:
Judge Burns is loved by the bar of this state, as well she should be. She is the gold standard for judicial temperament & living proof that one does not have to be a trial lawyer to be an excellent judge. She is a treasure. Her colleagues would do well to emulate her.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: 3690
Rating:10.0 Comments:
I don't know any member of the federal bar who doesn't feel lucky to still have Ellen Burns going full steam despite being in her 80's. Being fair to all lawyers and faithful to the law means alot to her. Never saw her swing a decision or trial ruling based on anything but the law. She's the gift that keeps on going.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: 1987
Rating:9.6 Comments:
the gem of the federal bench in Connecticut. Fair as can be and an absolute gentlewoman. Highly ethical Treats lawyers with respect and is just a super nice human being. Far from an idealogue or activist judge, she is on the mark as a rule-of-law judge all the time.